How to take photos of the Northern Lights
It’s one of nature’s great events, and it’s surprisingly easy to do if you have a DSLR camera
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Backpacking & Outdoors
PREVIEWED: Polaroid iZone Wi-Fi camera
CES 2015, Las Vegas: It’s wireless, but what’s it actually for?
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PREVIEWED: Sony FDR-X1000V action cam
CES 2015, Las Vegas: pro-quality broadcast action cam adds 4k and super slo-mo
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REVIEWED: Helinox Chair One foldable chair
Easily portable and comfortable, this 850kg chair is a welcome relief
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REVIEWED: Columbia Platinum 860 TurboDown
Stargazing and winter hikes just got easier thanks to this lightweight, portable down jacket
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REVIEWED: Icebreaker Tech T Lite T-Shirt
Staying fresh for days and drying in hours, this pricey all-rounder for travelling light is legendary with the wash ‘n’ wear
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REVIEWED: SealSkinz Ultra Grip gloves
Merino wool lining and tactile fast-grip dots on the SealSkinz Ultra Grip Gloves prove useful for fishing, night-riding and holding binoculars
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REVIEWED: Snugpak Water Resistant Notebook
For outdoor doodlers everywhere, this rain-proof pad is the write stuff
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REVIEWED: EasyLock portable locking solution
The ideal gift for backpackers, this pocket-sized device is a safe bet for travellers
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NEED TO KNOW: How to choose a selfie stick
Buying advice and reviews of Christmas 2014’s hottest travel gadget
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REVIEWED: Case Logic Reflexion DSLR & iPad backpack
Plenty of tech and gear packing choices in this tale of two halves
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REVIEWED: ExOfficio Storm Logic travel jacket
It’s got pockets for a boarding pass, keys, a camera, phone, pens, and sunglasses, and it rolls-up into a neck rest. Welcome
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REVIEWED: LuminAID inflatable light
It’s a hit in the off-grid world, but the solar-powered inflatable LuminAID light is great for camping anywhere on Earth
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REVIEWED: Native Union Power Link Tassel for Apple Lightning
Cowboy-style convenience for iPads & iPhones, but it’s way too expensive
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REVIEWED: Vango DRY 20 rucksack
Ideal for adventure sports and Monsoon travel, this daysack keeps out water and crushes-out air
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REVIEWED: Vango DLX Self Inflating Pillow
Great for camping, this pillow with neck support makes a great seat, too
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REVIEWED: Ridgemont Outback footwear
Built-in Ortholite insoles gives the retro Ridgemont Outback all-rounders a launch pad
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REVIEWED: Edifier Extreme Connect MP260 bluetooth speaker
A great value alternative to a Jambox and with a handy slot for miniSD and microSD cards, this easily stow-able speaker priorities bass
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REVIEWED: Booq Python Slimpack
This waterproof rucksack has space for 2x DSLRs, 4x mid-size lenses, a zoom lens, a tripod and an iPad, but hiking with it
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REVIEWED: Osprey Cyber Port 18L daysack
Super-compact daysack for digital nomads, the Osprey Cyber Port 18L daysack has a unique tablet window for easy access
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REVIEWED: Kathmandu Waterproof 10×25 binoculars
Handy all-rounders for backpackers and hikers expecting wet conditions, the Kathmandu Waterproof 10×25 binoculars are a good value buy
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REVIEWED: Swarovski Optik PA-i5 adapter for iPhone 5/5s
Take photos through a pair of binoculars with your phone, but beware the Swarovski Optik PA-i5 adapter for iPhone 5/5s’s high price and health warning
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REVIEWED: Swarovski Optik CL Companion 10×30 binoculars
High price and high performance, but the compact and travel-friendly Swarovski Optik CL Companion 10×30 binoculars struggle to focus on value
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REVIEWED: Incipio offGRID Rugged battery case for iPhone 5/5s
Great value battery wraparound with an outdoorsy design, the Incipio offGRID Rugged battery case for iPhone 5/5s comes with a free screen protector
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REVIEWED: Philips BR-1X SB5200 rugged Bluetooth speaker
A rubber brick with slick bassy sound and a handy carry handle, the Philips BR-1X SB5200 rugged Bluetooth speaker is travel-proof tech
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REVIEWED: Lifeproof frē iPhone 5 & 5s Case
TouchID-compatible and surprisingly lightweight waterproof cover is great for hiking, camping, festivals and monsoon travel
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REVIEWED: Olloclip 4-in-1 lens kit for iPhone 5/5s
Highly portable – and easily lose-able – clip-on Olloclip 4-in-1 lens kit for iPhone 5/5s offers a wider field of view and is perfect for travelling light.
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REVIEWED: Eagle Creek Morphus 22 ultra-light hybrid luggage
What a carry-on! With a clever two-part all-in-one design and a great build quility, the super-versatile Eagle Creek Morphus 22 ultra-light hybrid cabin luggage morphs into a rucksack and a wheeled bag for the aircraft hold
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REVIEWED: Sportviz XTS Sun Core adaptable sunglasses
Designed for hikers, the serious Sportviz XTS Sun Core trekking and hiking sunglasses bring the option of prescription sports eyewear
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REVIEWED: Fat Face Sports Wrap Rubber Sunglasses
Travel-friendly and affordable sunglasses that don’t fall off when you’re dashing for a train
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REVIEWED: Tech21 Impact Trio phone case
Simple and easy to fit protective jacket for an iPhone 5/5s – and for mere 25g – the Tech21 Impact Trio phone case is protection without the bulk
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REVIEWED: Salomon Comet 3D GTX walking boots
Lightweight, grippy and with a good-sized toe-box, these boots prove perfect for narrow feet
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REVIEWED: Deuter Futura 32 backpack
Something of a travel classic, and it’s easy to see why
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REVIEWED: Gregory Z25 rucksack
A built-in rain cover, stash pocket for a coat and a ventilation area make this 25-litre rucksack ideal for the
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REVIEWED: Vango DLX self-inflating pillow
Shoulder support and a stuff bag, but this time-saver is a bit of a letdown
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REVIEWED: Icebreaker BODYFIT+200 Oasis Crewe Gradient for men
An ideal base layer for winter hikes and year-round stargazing, this is merino wool at its warmest
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REVIEWED: Garmin fēnix outdoor GPS watch
A 50-hour battery and a great BaseCamp app impress, but this hiking watch does take a bit of getting to know
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REVIEWED: Tilley Coolmax Extreme men’s briefs
Wear one pair, pack another – and travel the world!
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REVIEWED: STM Drifter 18-litre backpack
Comfy, tech-friendly and with a storm cover great for downpours, this pocket-stuffed daysack with a retro canvas look is great for commuting and short trips
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REVIEWED: Lowe Alpine Edge 22XL daysack
Looking for a pack for a man-size back? This XL-grade daysack is a great all-rounder for ultra-lightweight and overnight travel
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REVIEWED: Sea To Summit Microfibre Pocket Towel
Just big enough to dry-down and save your modesty, this VERY compact towel is gold dust for lightweight travellers, hikers and cyclists
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REVIEWED: Icebreaker Quattro Hood
All-purpose hoody that packs to almost nothing is the perfect solution for staying warm while travelling light
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REVIEWED: Petzl Tikka II head torch
Two intensities and a red light mode make this invaluable for hiking, stargazing, night-running and travel through any country with
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REVIEWED: Berghaus Remote II 30 daysack
Say no to a sweaty back. Great for hikers and anyone travelling light, this 30-litre daysack can take tech, too
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REVIEWED: Nomad ChargeKey 62mm microUSB/Apple Lightning cable
With versions for microUSBand Apple Lightning, the handy Nomad ChargeKey sends cables packing
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REVIEWED: Vango Pac 15 packable daysack
15-litre occasional bag ideal for city tours, aircraft cabins and even impromptu hikes
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REVIEWED: Otterbox Defender for iPad Mini
Perfect for the pool-side or base camp, tablet owners will love the serious protection offered by this heavyweight cover
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REVIEWED: OtterBox Defender Realtree camo for iPhone 5
Outdoorsy iPhone 5 case whose practical design makes it the perfect co-conspirator for away-days in the bush. Just don’t go swimming with it.
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REVIEWED: Berghaus Freeflow 20 backpack
Small and curved, this backpack is ideal for hiking and short trips, but it won’t take a laptop
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REVIEWED: Victorinox SwissCard Lite
Urban emergencies get the red card from this credit-card sized Swiss Army knife
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